Andy Howes Returns Home

Chief Warrant Officer, Andy Howes, returned to Starke County yesterday 41 years after he left for the war in Vietnam.

Howes left Hawaii yesterday morning in a trip that ended in Knox at 8:10 p.m. last night. Hundreds of people turned out along the way home, especially in Knox.

We asked Ann Howes, Andy’s sister-in-law, if she was surprised at the turnout.

“No, I’m not really surprised because small town America is the heart and soul of America,” she said. “Knox is the heart and soul. It just proves that one more time. We’re very grateful. Very grateful.”

A Memorial Service for Andy Howes will be at the Knox Community Center tonight at 7:00 p.m. Visitation is at 5:00 p.m.

Those who have an Andy Howes MIA bracelet are urged to take them with you to the M.C. Smith Funeral Home or to the Community Center and they will be buried with Andy in Arlington National Cemetery.

Photos provided by Jayme Goetz.

The family waits as Andy Howes' casket is removed from the plane
Patriot Guard holds a service for Andy Howes
The procession makes its way to Knox
Andy Howes arrives in Knox

Here are some pictures taken by the staff before and during the events in Knox:

Bass Lake Fire trucks line up and await the procession
Scores of people welcomed Andy home to Knox
Flags were lowered to half-staff at the Knox VFW
The residents at this home in Beardstown, along U.S. 35, helped welcome Andy home to Starke County
Tom Berg and Jim Oliverius broadcasted live as the procession entered Knox
Knox City Police and Starke County Sheriff's Department officers lead the procession to the M.C. Smith Funeral Home
Members of the Patriotic Honor Guard lead the hearse to the M.C. Smith Funeral Home